The Magic of Reality

How We Know What's Really True

By: Richard Dawkins

Narrated by: Richard Dawkins, Lalla Ward

An elegant, text-only edition of the New York Times bestseller that’s been hailed as the definitive authority on…everything.

Richard Dawkins, bestselling author and the world’s most celebrated evolutionary biologist, has spent his career elucidating the many wonders of science. Here, he takes a broader approach and uses his unrivaled explanatory powers to illuminate the ways in which the world really works.

Filled with clever thought experiments and jaw-dropping facts, The Magic of Reality explains a stunningly wide range of natural phenomena: How old is the universe? Why do the continents look like disconnected pieces of a jigsaw puzzle? What causes tsunamis? Why are there so many kinds of plants and animals? Who was the first man, or woman?

Starting with the magical, mythical explanations for the wonders of nature, Dawkins reveals the exhilarating scientific truths behind these occurrences. This is a page-turning detective story that not only mines all the sciences for its clues but primes the reader to think like a scientist as well.

Brilliant Bully

What did you love best about The Magic of Reality?

Dawkins does a wonderful job walking the reader through the basics of science. Even if you're familiar with all the concepts it's still fun to review.

Any additional comments?

However, Dawkins seems to have a need to bully any religious faith. That position subtracted from the enjoyment of the book.

Very good overview

Although I found some segments oversimplified, this book provides very good explanations for those with a poor understanding of scientific concepts. unfortunately I'm not sure it will reach those who would benefit most. I did enjoy the comparisons of myth to science-based facts, very much, however a religious person would probably be infuriated by them, even though the science is explained in ways much better than I could convey to someone who doesn't understand something like evolution. I also enjoyed the dual narrators. The change in voices helps to hold attention especially while performing other tasks during which your mind might wander.

Excellent!

What made the experience of listening to The Magic of Reality the most enjoyable?

All of it was excellent!

What did you like best about this story?

The information was excellent for a general review! Would be a great listen for those looking for a quick explanation!

What does Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Liked the accents.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

None

Any additional comments?

None

Dawkins is too cool for school

This should be studied in high school.
Perfect introduction to what is meant by, evolution theory

Well done basic introduction to science

This would be a good book for preteens. Easy to understand not to technical maybe a little too elementary for adults.